Project Summary

Project Abstract:In recent years, there has been much research on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the United States and abroad. There has been decades of study of historic preservation, both in the United States and internationally. Yet the intersection of TOD and historic preservation has received scant attention. This project will attempt to cross-reference data on TOD and historic preservation, examine case studies of where TOD and historic preservation intersect and develop a guidebook for policy and tools for preservation in TODs.

Project Objectives:The objective of this study is cross-reference TOD locations with one or more lists of locations of historic properties. The study will also aim to conduct case studies of locations where historic buildings have been preserved in a TOD, where historic buildings were demolished in a TOD and where historic buildings are currently threatened in a TOD location. These different typologies should help to better understand the challenges and issues present in seeking to preserve historic buildings in TOD locations. Finally, the study aims to develop a guidebook that will highlight policy and tools for preservation in TODs that could be utilized by various stakeholders around the nation.

Task Descriptions:Task 1: Exploring Issues in Cross-Referencing Data

Task 2: Case Studies

Task 3: Policy and Tools for Preservation in TODs Guidebook

Task 4: Prepare Final Report

Implementation of Research Outcomes:In recent years, there has been much research on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the United States and abroad. There has been decades of study of historic preservation, both in the United States and internationally. Yet the intersection of TOD and historic preservation has received scant attention. This project cross-references data on TOD and historic preservation, examines case studies of where TOD and historic preservation intersect and recommends policy and tools for preservation in TODs.

Products developed by this research:

Database: Of historic properties near rail stations in the United States.

Guidebook:A Guide to Facilitate Historic Preservation through Transit Oriented Development – Establishes new way of thinking about TOD and historic preservation to assist local governments, transit agencies, developers and other stakeholders.

Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:To the best of our knowledge, this was the first national study that examined the relationship of TOD with historic preservation. We expect that this project will have a significant impact once we can disseminate the results to the proper audiences. This study established an important nexus to two distinct topics that are increasingly becoming connected as cities, transit agencies and developers seek to develop around railway stations.

The results of this study could result in more innovative approaches to reuse historic buildings near train stations rather than to tear them down. This could have economic, environmental and social benefits for the entire community.